2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Review

What reviews like:
The 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt is relatively inexpensive, and in terms of the driving experience, reviewers say the Cobalt rides smoothly. Reviews like that three good engine choices are offered for the 2007 Cobalt, and the seats are said to be comfortable. Finally, the trunk is spacious and, the Chevrolet Cobalt gets pretty good gas mileage for its class.

What reviews don't like:

Several recurring themes pop up in critique for the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. Most reviews comment on the cramped rear seat. Engine noise is another recurring issue in reviews. A rear spoiler on the SS trim level can limit visibility. A couple of reviews also say the trunk opening is too small.

EPA fuel economy estimate: 23 to 25 mpg/city, 29 to 34 mpg/highway, depending on engine

2007 Chevrolet Cobalt review highlights

The 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt competes price-wise with the Honda Civic (*est. $14,800 to $23,250) and the Honda Fit (*est. $13,850 to $15,170), both of which get better reviews overall. Still, some reviews say the Cobalt is a huge improvement over the now-defunct Chevrolet Cavalier, which it replaces. Fuel economy and engine power are high points in most reviews of the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, but almost all reviews say rear-seat access and legroom are problems. A rear spoiler on the sporty SS version might look nice, but it interferes with visibility. Several reviews say engine noise is an issue. Overall reliability seems to be about average.

The 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt was not featured in any major head-to-head reports, but it has been the subject of many interesting single-car reviews. The most impressive review overall for the Chevy Cobalt comes from AutoChannel.com, which looks at the Cobalt SS, the sportiest model in the lineup. A review on the Kelley Blue Book website is also nicely detailed. Consumer Reports magazine hones in on the essentials -- safety, drive-feel and long-term predicted reliability -- a facet also addressed in a review for the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt at CarCritic.com.

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*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. AutoChannel.com
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Coupe Review
Josh Heilig

This review for the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt offers an excellent balance of positives and negatives. The engine does its job very well, and the handling of the Chevy Cobalt is equally sporty. However, according to Josh Heilig, the suspension leaves something to be desired. The seats are comfortable, but leg room is limited, and the trunk offers a lot of space. Heilig finds the rear spoiler superfluous.

2. KBB.com
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt review
Editors of KBB.com

KBB.com -- the website for the Kelley Blue Book -- gives a lot of information on the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, based on road tests and analysis. Fuel-efficiency is a high point. Also, the car does well in terms of a quality interior and ride quality. Areas where the Cobalt doesn't shine as brightly, according to the review, are the engine power, engine noise and legroom.

3. Consumer Guide.com
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Road Test
Editors of ConsumerGuide.com

At ConsumerGuide, the Chevrolet Cobalt is noted as "recommended," but in this category, editors prefer the Mazda3 and Honda Civic. Editors say the Chevrolet Cobalt gets good gas mileage, and the engine on the sporty SS trim level has good acceleration. Rear-seat room is a problem, and it's harder to get into the rear seats. Engine noise is noted to be above average.

4. CarCritic.com
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
Don Vorderman

CarCritic.com's Don Vorderman doesn't extensively cover performance and features in this review of the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. Rather, Vorderman focuses mainly on long-term predicted reliability. While the Chevrolet Cobalt is a vast improvement over the Chevy Cavalier it replaces, "middle of the road reliability" holds it back.

5. Cars.com
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
Editors of Cars.com
June 2006

Cars.com's reviews are broken down into sections covering interior, exterior, options, safety, etc. The most informative section is "driving impressions," where the real opinions about the car seem to shine. Editors say the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt offers a smooth ride and has a bit of zip. The downsides are a cramped interior and engine noise.

6. Consumer Reports
>> Details/Subscribe
Chevrolet Cobalt review
Editors of Consumer Reports

Editors at Consumer Reports test the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The review includes comments on driving impressions, safety, fuel economy and long-term predicted reliability. You must be a subscriber to read this report, however.

7. About.com
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt LS Sedan Test Drive
Phillip Powell

This review of the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt gives a lot in terms of practical information and driver opinion. The vehicle gets a four out of five star rating from reviewer Phillip Powell, who likes its spacious interior design and peppiness. Lower points include engine noise, a small trunk opening and awkward placement of the hand brake.

Also see full report: Economy Cars